# data[].attributes.body
Paralysis

# data[].attributes.body
Sideways curvature of the spine.

# data[].attributes.body
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord.

# data[].attributes.body
When a doctor can't fine a cause to one's scoliosis problems, it is called idiopathic. When they can determine what causes scoliosis it is usually caused by one leg being longer than the other, muscle spasms, inflammations such as appendicitis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, birth defects, infections, tumors, and genetic conditions. Scoliosis happens quite often when kids reach their growth spurt.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you look at someone's back, you'll see that the spine runs straight down the middle. When a person has scoliosis, their backbone curves to the side.

The angle of the curve may be small, large or somewhere in between. But anything that measures more than 10 degrees is considered scoliosis. Doctors may use the letters "C" and "S" to describe the curve of the backbone.

You probably don't look directly at too many spines, but what you might notice about someone with scoliosis is the way they stand. They may lean a little or have shoulders or hips that look uneven.

What Causes Scoliosis?

In as many as 80% of cases, doctors don't find the exact reason for a curved spine. Scoliosis without a known cause is what doctors call "idiopathic."

Some kinds of scoliosis do have clear causes. Doctors divide those curves into two types -- structural and nonstructural.

In nonstructural scoliosis, the spine works normally, but looks curved. Why does this happen? There are a number of reasons, such as one leg's being longer than the other, muscle spasms, and inflammations like appendicitis. When these problems are treated, this type of scoliosis often goes away.

In structural scoliosis, the curve of the spine is rigid and can't be reversed.

Causes include:

Congenital scoliosis begins as a baby's back develops before birth. Problems with the tiny bones in the back, called vertebrae, can cause the spine to curve. The vertebrae may be incomplete or fail to divide properly. Doctors may detect this condition when the child is born. Or, they may not find it until the teen years.

Family history and genetics can also be risk factors for idiopathic scoliosis. If you or one of your children has this condition, make sure your other kids are screened regularly.

Scoliosis shows up most often during growth spurts, usually when kids are between 10 and 15 years old. About the same number of boys and girls are diagnosed with minor idiopathic scoliosis. But curves in girls are 10 times more likely to get worse and may need to be treated.

Scoliosis diagnosed during the teen years can continue into adulthood. The greater the angle of the spine curve, the more likely it is to increase over time. If you had scoliosis in the past, have your doctor check your back regularly.

Degenerative scoliosis affects adults. It usually develops in the lower back as the disks and joints of the spine begin to wear out as you age.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you look at someone's back, you'll see that the spine runs straight down the middle. When a person has scoliosis, their backbone curves to the side. The angle of the curve may be small, large or somewhere in between. But anything that measures more than 10 degrees is considered scoliosis.

# data[].attributes.body
Paralysis is the loss of the ability to move in part or most of the body, typically as a result of illness, poison, or injury.

# data[].attributes.body
Paralysis happens when something goes wrong with the way messages pass between your brain and muscles. It mostly occurs at the spinal cord.

# data[].attributes.body
Transverse Myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of a singular section of the spinal cord. This damages myelin (the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers) and interrupts messages sent by the spinal cord nerves to the body. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory problems, and bladder/bowel dysfunction.

# data[].attributes.body
In the beginning stage of scoliosis it makes your shoulders uneven, one of your shoulder blades will be more visible than the other, uneven waist, one hip will be high than the other. In a more severe stage, the spine will twist and rotate along with curving on one side, which will then cause the ribs to stick out more on the side your spine curves to, also causes lung and heart damage. May cause pain, but not as common in the very beginning stage.

# data[].attributes.body
Once you get an x-ray to confirm you have scoliosis

# data[].attributes.body
It can be complete or partial. It can occur on one or both sides of the body; however, it can also just occur in one area, or it can be widespread. Paralysis of the lower half of your body, including both legs, is called paraplegia. Paralysis of the arms and legs is called quadriplegia.

# data[].attributes.body
Pain in the lower back, down the legs or arms, or chest or abdomen.

Sensations of numbness, tingling, coldness, or burning.

Sensitivity to touch of clothing or extreme cold or heat.

Weakness in the arms/legs that can result in stumbling, heaviness in legs, severe weakness, or total paralysis.

Bladder/Bowel problems including: urinating frequently, difficulty urinating, and constipation.

# data[].attributes.body
Viral/other infections:

Respiratory tract or gastrointestinal tract infections

Viruses that effect spinal cord directly such as:

Herpes viruses

Enteroviruses

West Nile viruses

Parasites (rarely)

Lyme Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic's Disease)

Autoimmune disorders:

Lupus

Sjogren's Syndrome

# data[].attributes.body
Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back.

Weakness, in coordination or paralysis in any part of your body.

Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.

Loss of bladder or bowel control.

# data[].attributes.body
In order to diagnose paralysis is to go to your doctor for your physical exam, which will include a review of your symptoms and your family's medical history. Your doctor will perform more specialized tests, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), or an MRI. Your doctor may also refer you to a Neurologist.

# data[].attributes.body
Physical therapy uses treatments such as heat, massage, and exercise to stimulate nerves and muscles. Occupational therapy concentrates on ways to perform activities of daily living.

# data[].attributes.body
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, typically progressive disease involving damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This fact sheet provides information on multiple sclerosis (MS). Our fact sheets are designed as general introductions to each subject and are intended to be concise.

Sources of further support and more detailed information are listed in the Useful Contacts section. Each person is affected differently by MS and you should speak with your doctor or specialist for individual advice.

Our Helpline team are also here to answer your questions and provide practical and emotional support. Call 0808 808 1000.

You can download this fact sheet to view offline or print by clicking the link below.

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system. People with MS experience damage to the outer coating of the nerve fibres that carry messages (nerve impulses) from the brain along the spinal cord and to the rest of the body. This coating is called the myelin sheath.

Some of this damage might be repaired by the body but often small areas of scarring are left (sclerosis) and the damaged nerves are unable to transmit messages as effectively as before.

There are different types of MS and each person is affected differently. It is difficult to predict whether an individual will experience a mild form of MS or develop a more severe form causing serious disability. Some people experience sudden attacks of symptoms that subsequently improve or disappear completely (relapsing remitting MS). Some people with relapsing remitting MS find that they stop making recoveries and go on to experience a gradual worsening of their symptoms (secondary progressive MS). Other people find that, from the onset, their symptoms gradually worsen over time (primary progressive MS). Some people recover fully from their symptoms and do not experience any further attacks for several years (benign MS).

The Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Messages (nerve impulses) from the brain travel along the spinal cord and control the activities of the body such as the movement of the arms and legs and the function of the organs.

The peripheral nervous system (the network of nerves outside the central nervous system) carries messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

The cranial nerves which carry messages to the face and eyes are part of the peripheral nervous system. These nerves can be affected by MS, causing face pain (trigeminal neuralgia) and visual problems.

What causes MS?

The nerve damage experienced by people with MS is caused by a problem with the body's immune system. Our immune system defends us from harmful bacteria and viruses but, in the case of MS, it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body, the myelin sheath. This is called an autoimmune reaction. We do not know exactly what causes the autoimmune reaction.

MS is not considered as hereditary however people are at a slightly increased risk of developing MS if someone in their family has the condition. Whilst genes play a part, there also seems to be an environmental factor as MS is more common in people who live in cooler climates and less common in people who live in warmer climates near the equator.

MS is most common in younger adults and nearly three-quarters of people affected experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Women are two to three times more likely than men to be affected by MS.

What are the symptoms of MS?

MS symptoms depend on which part of the central nervous system is affected and differ for each individual. People with MS are unlikely to experience all of the symptoms but they might experience more than one.

The main symptoms of MS:

weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

unusual sensations (pins and needles, tingling)

visual problems (blurred vision, pain behind the eye)

balance, co-ordination and mobility problems

muscle spasms

fatigue and lack of energy

bladder and bowel problems

People with MS might also experience emotional problems, anxiety and depression. Other possible symptoms include pain, hearing problems, sexual problems, memory problems, and cognitive problems (for example, difficulties organising and planning everyday tasks). Speech and swallowing problems are also possible.

Tests and investigations

As a complex and unpredictable condition, MS is not always straightforward to diagnose. MS cannot be diagnosed after just one hospital test and doctors will usually carry out a series of tests and investigations. The symptoms of MS are similar to those of many other conditions which need to be ruled out as part of the process. The first stages of an MS diagnosis will involve checking your medical history and carrying out a thorough neurological examination.

MRI scan

An MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan) produces detailed pictures of the brain using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. The scan can show whether you have any small areas of scarring or damage to the myelin sheath associated with MS. You might also have an MRI scan of your spinal cord. (You might like to read our brain and spine scans fact sheet for further information.)

Evoked potentials

Evoked potentials are a group of tests carried out by neurology specialists to measure how efficiently nerves are transmitting messages (nerve impulses).

The most common test is visual evoked potentials (VEP). A VEP test involves asking someone to look at a particular image (for example, a flashing screen) and measuring how long it takes for nerve impulses picked up by the eye to be transmitted to the part of the brain responsible for vision. Some people with MS experience an abnormally long delay in the transmission of these nerve impulses.

Lumbar puncture

The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a clear liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). For some people, the signs of MS are indicated by abnormalities in their CSF.

To take a sample of this fluid, a needle is passed between two vertebrae (spinal bones) at the lower end of the spine into the space containing the CSF. A small amount is drawn off in a syringe and sent to a laboratory where it will be checked for abnormalities.

What are the treatments for MS?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MS. However, different treatments are available.

The treatments you might have will depend on your individual situation.

You might receive treatments for your specific symptoms. For instance, if you have physical symptoms (mobility problems, muscle spasms) you might benefit from physiotherapy, or you might be given specific drug treatments for bladder and bowel problems, muscle spasms, pain, fatigue or depression.

If you experience an attack of MS symptoms (a relapse) you might be given steroid drugs to help speed up your rate of recovery. Steroids are used to suppress the immune system which is mistakenly attacking the healthy myelin sheath. They are usually given in short courses to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. Your doctor will discuss with you the possible side effects of steroid treatment.

You might be given drug treatments to reduce the number of attacks you experience and to slow the progression of MS. These disease-modifying drugs can also reduce the impact and severity of your symptoms. There are different types of disease-modifying drug. Your specialist will discuss the options with you.

Other treatments

Some people affected by MS find complementary and alternative therapies helpful. They are unlikely to provide a specific treatment for your MS but they might help to improve your general well-being.

There are different dietary regimes which purport to be helpful for people with MS, especially diets low in fat. It is worth remembering that everyone can improve their general health and well-being with a healthy, balanced diet.

Future treatments

Researchers are investigating a variety of potential treatments for MS. Some researchers are hopeful that stem cell treatments will be helpful for people with MS. Currently, research into stem cell treatments is only in its initial stages.

Living with MS

Coming to terms with a diagnosis of MS and living with the condition is challenging and will take a lot of adjustment. Although MS is unpredictable, taking an active approach towards managing your condition can help you to understand your situation and to stay positive.

This could include:

choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle;

making informed decisions related to your treatment;

keeping a record of your symptoms to help you better understand your MS and adjust your lifestyle and activities to suit;

attending a self-management course (see: www.selfmanagementuk.org)

Long-term support

As MS is a long-term condition, it is important that you are in regular contact with your GP and specialist and are able to ask questions or raise your concerns. Your symptoms and treatments should be reviewed regularly. Many people find that the specialist support and advice of an MS Nurse Specialist is helpful. It might also be helpful for you to attend a local support group in your area.

Useful contacts

MS National Centre
372 Edgware Road
London
NW2 6ND

0808 800 8000
www.mssociety.org.uk
Support and information on MS. They also run a discussion forum on their website for people affected by MS.

Spirella Building
Bridge Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 4ET

0800 032 38 39
www.mstrust.org.uk
Support and information on MS.

Download our fact sheet

You can download this fact sheet to view offline or print by clicking the link below.

Give us your feedback

Please tell us what you think of our information so we can keep improving it, and click the link below to fill in our feedback form.
Fill in our feedback form
This information was last checked in July 2016. Due for review in July 2019

Should you wish to view the references for this publication, please contact luke.stamatis@brainandspine.org.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brain & Spine Foundation | Multiple sclerosis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This fact sheet provides information on multiple sclerosis (MS). Our fact sheets are designed as general introductions to each subject and are intended to be concise. Sources of further support and more detailed information are listed in the Useful Contacts section.

# data[].attributes.body
Pain

Stiffness/tightness/painful spasms

Partial/total paralysis

Depression or anxiety

# data[].attributes.body
MRI

Spinal Tap

Blood Tests

# data[].attributes.body
Intravenous Steroids

Plasma Exchange Therapy

Antiviral Medication

Pain Medication

Corticosteroids

Immunosuppressants

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Psychotherapy

# data[].attributes.body
What it is:

A herniated disk is a disk in between the vertebrae of the spine that has ruptured. Sometimes called a slipped disk, a herniated disk usually results in pinched nerves.

What causes it:

A herniated disk can be caused by genetic predispositions, physically straining work (usually lifting heavy objects) , and being overweight. It is most often caused by disk degeneration, which is when your disks begin to become less flexible, when you age.

Symptoms of a herniated disk:

Symptoms, of a herniated disk can include arm pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness, and/or tingling.

Potential problems:

If left untreated, a herniated disk could cause nerve damage which may lead to permanent muscle weakness, or even paralysis. Also, in rare cases, herniated disks can suppress the whole cauda equina (the spot where the spinal cord unravels and branches out, resembling a horse’s tale), causing a loss of sensation in the back of the legs, the gluteal areas, and the inside of the thighs. Loss of bladder control may also occur.

Treatment of Herniated disks:

Treatment of a herniated disk depends on how bad the herniation is. If the herniation is not sever, then physical therapists recommend non-strenuous exercises and pain medication. If the symptoms do not recede within 6 weeks or the condition worsens a doctor may recommend a microdiskectomy (a surgical removal of part or all of the damaged portion of the disk without removing the whole disk), or the removal of the whole disk to then replace it with an artificial one or fuse the two vertebrae together.

Reducing the risk of herniated disks:

Ways to reduce the risk of a herniated disk include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and making sure to practice good posture.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095
https://www.healthline.com/health/herniated-disk

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transverse-myelitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354730

# data[].attributes.body
Meningitis is caused by the viral, bacteria, parasitic, and fungal infections.

# data[].attributes.body
The inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can cause meningitis to occur everywhere on the body.

# data[].attributes.body
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.

# data[].attributes.body
Some medications and other health issues can cause bone loss. Bone loss increases your risk of developing osteoporosis

# data[].attributes.body
Preventing falls is a special concern for men and women with osteoporosis. Falls can increase the likelihood of fracturing a bone in the hip, wrist, spine, or other part of the skeleton.

# data[].attributes.body
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a hip to fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis (severely stooped posture).

# data[].attributes.body
A comprehensive osteoporosis treatment program includes a focus on proper nutrition, exercise, and safety issues to prevent falls that may result in fractures. In addition, your doctor may prescribe a medication to slow or stop bone loss, increase bone density, and reduce fracture risk.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/

https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview

# data[].attributes.body
Myelopathy is a spectrum term for injuries to the spinal cord.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Myelopathy is a spectrum term for injuries to the spinal cord. It can happen at any age, but it most frequently affects people late in life. Myelopathy can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the arms and neck, and sometimes patients experience loss of coordination or incontinence.

Is Myelopathy the same as Cervical Myelopathy?

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM) is one type of myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy happens when the spinal cord in the neck is compressed. When the spinal cord is compressed, it can't effectively communicate messages to the brain and nerves. This results in numb hands, neck stiffness, clumsiness and imbalance. If the disease continues, it can lead to weakness, incontinence and even paralysis. Although CSM may masquerade as a normal part of aging, it's a serious disease that requires medical intervention.

How does myelopathy happen?

Several variable factors can contribute to problems with the spinal cord. A fall, car accident or other trauma can damage surrounding muscles, ligaments and bones, resulting in compression of the spinal cord. The natural thinning of cervical discs that occurs with age also can be a factor. As the discs dry up and shrink, there's more stress on the surrounding cartilage. This leads to degeneration and stress, also known as degenerative disc disease, and can lead to a herniated disc. A herniated disc presses against the spinal cord, causing myelopathy. This degeneration can also create bone spurs that narrow the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord.

A combination of genetic factors, injuries or diseases can predispose someone to myelopathy, including a family history of osteoarthritis, or diseases like diabetes, infections and rheumatism. Being overweight also puts more wear and tear on the spine.

How is myelopathy diagnosed?

Diagnosing myelopathy can be tricky. The symptoms are so commonly thought to be a normal part of getting older. Oftentimes, by the time myelopathy is diagnosed, the spinal cord has already become 30 percent narrower. Patients should tell their doctors about all of their symptoms-how long they've experienced them, how they've treated them and whether they have gotten worse with time.

The General Practitioner will typically conduct a series of tests right in the office: testing muscle strength, reflexes, sensation and the stiffness of your limbs. Imaging tests like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), X-rays, CT-scans, CT Myelograms and Nerve Conduction Studies are often ordered to get a clearer view of what's going on inside and around the spine.

How is myelopathy treated?

For mild cases, steroidal and anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication, rest and physical therapy are effective treatments. If symptoms don't improve, minimally invasive surgery is an option.

Surgery can take place in front of the spine or behind it. An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion involves a 1-inch incision in the front of the neck. The surgeon removes the discs that are pressing on the spinal cord and sometimes removes part of the vertebrae as well. A bone graft replaces the damaged disc. The bones grow together, forming a new mass called a fusion.

A posterior cervical decompression approaches the problem area from the back of the neck. This procedure is used when the spinal cord is compressed on multiple levels.

Are there any advantages to treating myelopathy with minimally invasive surgical procedures?

Yes. Minimally invasive surgical procedures offer a wealth of benefits. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery including shorter hospital stays, less scarring and less pain. Because the incision is so small, recovery happens much faster-in two to three weeks (compared to three to six months for traditional "open" surgical procedures).

The long term prognosis?

Most patients see an improvement in their symptoms with time. The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery says in most cases, surgery "stops progression of the cord damage and ... leads to improvement in the functional status of our patients." If other treatment modalities don't work, a minimally invasive surgical procedure might be the appropriate next step.

If you or someone you care about have questions about this spectrum of spinal cord conditions, please contact us to schedule an evaluation at one of our seven clinics across South Louisiana.
This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, DISC of Louisiana provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. DISC of Louisiana is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Myelopathy is a spectrum term for injuries to the spinal cord. It can happen at any age, but it most frequently affects people late in life. Myelopathy can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the arms and neck, and sometimes patients experience loss of coordination or incontinence.

# data[].attributes.body
Common causes of Myelopathy are degenerative spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the bony passageways of the spine through which the spinal cord and nerve roots travel.

# data[].attributes.body
Symptoms vary based on the location of Myelopathy, but may include:

weakness

tingling

pain

numbness

# data[].attributes.body
Fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, disorientation, drowsiness, sluggish, poor appetite, even seizures and comas. These can develop in several days or even just hours.

# data[].attributes.body
By taking blood samples of placing them in a special dish and see if it grows microorganisms. Another way is by images, like CT and MRI can scan the body and possibly show swelling and inflammation. Finally they can also use the spinal tap which collects cerebrospinal fluid.

# data[].attributes.body
There is actually no official treatment for meningitis, but they can try to treat bacterial meningitis with antibiotics. It just depends on how bad your meningitis is. If its just viral meningitis is only lasts up to 7 to 10 days with proper intake of fluids and antibiotics.

# data[].attributes.body
>https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508
>https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/meningitis-symptoms-warning-signs
>https://www.everydayhealth.com/meningitis/guide/treatment/

# data[].attributes.body
Mild cases may be treated with pain medication, rest, and physical therapy. Severe cases may require spinal surgery.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Animated video explains what a herniated disc is and how it causes low back pain and leg pain.

# data[].attributes.body
What is it
Lumbar disc disease is the drying out of the spongy interior matrix of an inter vertebral disc in the spine.

What causes it
Most of the time, disk disease happens as a result of aging and the normal break down that occurs within the disk.

Symptoms
Painful aches at the site of a damaged disc.  most common symptom of a degenerative disc.  Pain may spread to the butt, groin, and upper thighs.

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/degenerative-disc-disease/lumbar-degenerative-disc-disease-symptoms

# data[].attributes.body
www.spinemd.com

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/.../myelopathy_22,myelopathy

https://www.spine-health.com/video/myelopathy-video

# data[].attributes.body
A description of someone who has paralysis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
True Life: I'm Living with Paralysis (A Day in the life of 28 Year Old)

# data[].attributes.body
Pictures of where it effects

# data[].attributes.body
https://medlineplus.gov/paralysis.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890
On the Google Search is where I found the definition of Paralysis.

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the symptoms are numbness, impairment of speech and of muscular coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This fact sheet provides information on multiple sclerosis (MS). Our fact sheets are designed as general introductions to each subject and are intended to be concise.

Sources of further support and more detailed information are listed in the Useful Contacts section. Each person is affected differently by MS and you should speak with your doctor or specialist for individual advice.

Our Helpline team are also here to answer your questions and provide practical and emotional support. Call 0808 808 1000.

You can download this fact sheet to view offline or print by clicking the link below.

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system. People with MS experience damage to the outer coating of the nerve fibres that carry messages (nerve impulses) from the brain along the spinal cord and to the rest of the body. This coating is called the myelin sheath.

Some of this damage might be repaired by the body but often small areas of scarring are left (sclerosis) and the damaged nerves are unable to transmit messages as effectively as before.

There are different types of MS and each person is affected differently. It is difficult to predict whether an individual will experience a mild form of MS or develop a more severe form causing serious disability. Some people experience sudden attacks of symptoms that subsequently improve or disappear completely (relapsing remitting MS). Some people with relapsing remitting MS find that they stop making recoveries and go on to experience a gradual worsening of their symptoms (secondary progressive MS). Other people find that, from the onset, their symptoms gradually worsen over time (primary progressive MS). Some people recover fully from their symptoms and do not experience any further attacks for several years (benign MS).

The Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Messages (nerve impulses) from the brain travel along the spinal cord and control the activities of the body such as the movement of the arms and legs and the function of the organs.

The peripheral nervous system (the network of nerves outside the central nervous system) carries messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.

The cranial nerves which carry messages to the face and eyes are part of the peripheral nervous system. These nerves can be affected by MS, causing face pain (trigeminal neuralgia) and visual problems.

What causes MS?

The nerve damage experienced by people with MS is caused by a problem with the body's immune system. Our immune system defends us from harmful bacteria and viruses but, in the case of MS, it mistakenly attacks a healthy part of the body, the myelin sheath. This is called an autoimmune reaction. We do not know exactly what causes the autoimmune reaction.

MS is not considered as hereditary however people are at a slightly increased risk of developing MS if someone in their family has the condition. Whilst genes play a part, there also seems to be an environmental factor as MS is more common in people who live in cooler climates and less common in people who live in warmer climates near the equator.

MS is most common in younger adults and nearly three-quarters of people affected experience their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Women are two to three times more likely than men to be affected by MS.

What are the symptoms of MS?

MS symptoms depend on which part of the central nervous system is affected and differ for each individual. People with MS are unlikely to experience all of the symptoms but they might experience more than one.

The main symptoms of MS:

weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

unusual sensations (pins and needles, tingling)

visual problems (blurred vision, pain behind the eye)

balance, co-ordination and mobility problems

muscle spasms

fatigue and lack of energy

bladder and bowel problems

People with MS might also experience emotional problems, anxiety and depression. Other possible symptoms include pain, hearing problems, sexual problems, memory problems, and cognitive problems (for example, difficulties organising and planning everyday tasks). Speech and swallowing problems are also possible.

Tests and investigations

As a complex and unpredictable condition, MS is not always straightforward to diagnose. MS cannot be diagnosed after just one hospital test and doctors will usually carry out a series of tests and investigations. The symptoms of MS are similar to those of many other conditions which need to be ruled out as part of the process. The first stages of an MS diagnosis will involve checking your medical history and carrying out a thorough neurological examination.

MRI scan

An MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan) produces detailed pictures of the brain using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. The scan can show whether you have any small areas of scarring or damage to the myelin sheath associated with MS. You might also have an MRI scan of your spinal cord. (You might like to read our brain and spine scans fact sheet for further information.)

Evoked potentials

Evoked potentials are a group of tests carried out by neurology specialists to measure how efficiently nerves are transmitting messages (nerve impulses).

The most common test is visual evoked potentials (VEP). A VEP test involves asking someone to look at a particular image (for example, a flashing screen) and measuring how long it takes for nerve impulses picked up by the eye to be transmitted to the part of the brain responsible for vision. Some people with MS experience an abnormally long delay in the transmission of these nerve impulses.

Lumbar puncture

The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by a clear liquid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). For some people, the signs of MS are indicated by abnormalities in their CSF.

To take a sample of this fluid, a needle is passed between two vertebrae (spinal bones) at the lower end of the spine into the space containing the CSF. A small amount is drawn off in a syringe and sent to a laboratory where it will be checked for abnormalities.

What are the treatments for MS?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MS. However, different treatments are available.

The treatments you might have will depend on your individual situation.

You might receive treatments for your specific symptoms. For instance, if you have physical symptoms (mobility problems, muscle spasms) you might benefit from physiotherapy, or you might be given specific drug treatments for bladder and bowel problems, muscle spasms, pain, fatigue or depression.

If you experience an attack of MS symptoms (a relapse) you might be given steroid drugs to help speed up your rate of recovery. Steroids are used to suppress the immune system which is mistakenly attacking the healthy myelin sheath. They are usually given in short courses to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. Your doctor will discuss with you the possible side effects of steroid treatment.

You might be given drug treatments to reduce the number of attacks you experience and to slow the progression of MS. These disease-modifying drugs can also reduce the impact and severity of your symptoms. There are different types of disease-modifying drug. Your specialist will discuss the options with you.

Other treatments

Some people affected by MS find complementary and alternative therapies helpful. They are unlikely to provide a specific treatment for your MS but they might help to improve your general well-being.

There are different dietary regimes which purport to be helpful for people with MS, especially diets low in fat. It is worth remembering that everyone can improve their general health and well-being with a healthy, balanced diet.

Future treatments

Researchers are investigating a variety of potential treatments for MS. Some researchers are hopeful that stem cell treatments will be helpful for people with MS. Currently, research into stem cell treatments is only in its initial stages.

Living with MS

Coming to terms with a diagnosis of MS and living with the condition is challenging and will take a lot of adjustment. Although MS is unpredictable, taking an active approach towards managing your condition can help you to understand your situation and to stay positive.

This could include:

choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle;

making informed decisions related to your treatment;

keeping a record of your symptoms to help you better understand your MS and adjust your lifestyle and activities to suit;

attending a self-management course (see: www.selfmanagementuk.org)

Long-term support

As MS is a long-term condition, it is important that you are in regular contact with your GP and specialist and are able to ask questions or raise your concerns. Your symptoms and treatments should be reviewed regularly. Many people find that the specialist support and advice of an MS Nurse Specialist is helpful. It might also be helpful for you to attend a local support group in your area.

Useful contacts

MS National Centre
372 Edgware Road
London
NW2 6ND

0808 800 8000
www.mssociety.org.uk
Support and information on MS. They also run a discussion forum on their website for people affected by MS.

Spirella Building
Bridge Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 4ET

0800 032 38 39
www.mstrust.org.uk
Support and information on MS.

Download our fact sheet

You can download this fact sheet to view offline or print by clicking the link below.

Give us your feedback

Please tell us what you think of our information so we can keep improving it, and click the link below to fill in our feedback form.
Fill in our feedback form
This information was last checked in July 2016. Due for review in July 2019

Should you wish to view the references for this publication, please contact luke.stamatis@brainandspine.org.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brain & Spine Foundation | Multiple sclerosis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This fact sheet provides information on multiple sclerosis (MS). Our fact sheets are designed as general introductions to each subject and are intended to be concise. Sources of further support and more detailed information are listed in the Useful Contacts section.

# data[].attributes.body
These pictures show how the break down of the organs look.

# data[].attributes.body
There is no cure for MS. They can slow the process down but there is no cure at the moment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Multiple sclerosis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This nervous system disorder causes a range of symptoms — and while there’s no cure, it’s possible to have long periods of remission.

# data[].attributes.body
When doctors are looking to see if MS is an option they rule out all other options. The main way to see if it is MS is by an MRI of the brain.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Multiple sclerosis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This nervous system disorder causes a range of symptoms — and while there’s no cure, it’s possible to have long periods of remission.

# data[].attributes.headline
Different pictures of how MS affects the body

# data[].attributes.subject
Different pictures of how MS affects the body